nice choice Gav, they should sound great. Yeah the better the build looks the more it needs hardware upgrades bro !
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nice choice Gav, they should sound great. Yeah the better the build looks the more it needs hardware upgrades bro !
Damn Gav! ... damn, you've just gotta stop doing it! ... checking out one of your builds is like listening to someone like Tommy Emmanuel or Leo Kottke play guitar - its enough to make one want to give up go back to playing the spoons! :D
Dame fine 'burst, mate ... damn fine!
Good choice on the Entwistle Neo-D's ...I've got a set of the Ent's XS-62N's (Neos) on the recent ST I built and they really are super punchy (eXceSs certainly is an appropriate designations for them! :D ) ... so I cant wait to hear what the humbucker Neo-Ds sound like!
@Stan, @Wokka, @Scott - thanks guys - I can't wait to see what the zebras look like. Now I have to upgrade the cream pickup rings and the scratchplate to match the quality of the pickups (although I still don't know if the scratchplate will make it on). @Scott - thanks for the nice words, but I'm pretty undeserving of them. I'm still trying to feel my way with this guitar building lark!! I have heard the DarkStars before - only the lowest end ones - and was still very impressed. Can't wait to hear how these Neos go, especially after your comments!!
cheers,
Gav.
Damn Gav, I've been a bit out of touch with the build threads lately, that things insane mate, literally better than a bought one.
I'll just PM you my address and you can post it off once it's done, cheers mate;-)
Thanks @Bargey :) . She's coming along!
cheers,
Gav.
so Gav you must be up to about 10th coat of naughty oil and 3rd pint of naughty oil ?
Only the 5th coat Wokks :) Christmas is getting in the way!!!
cheers,
Gav.
yeah I know Gav, but after xmas there should be some extra time for axe work.
See you in the naughty room for the xmas p!ssup mate !
hi guys,
Finally got the headstock shaped this morning. It's always the most nervous part of the build for me (TBH any woodworking is a worry) but now all the woodworking is done!
As usual, I used the LP headstock template from here: http://www.australianlespaulforums.c.../Headstock.pdf.
Also as usual, it didn't quite fit the blank, but I just shifted it up until the sides met.
Attachment 930
Attachment 931
A bit or work with the jigsaw, the bastard file and slapwheel and she was finished. I even managed to not knock off one of the "wings" with the file this time - bonus! I'm reasonably happy with the results. It's one of my better attempts with this template.
Attachment 932
I'm thinking of doing a gloss black headstock with the neck stained the same colour as the back and sides of the body. Not sure - my plans always seem to change.
cheers,
Gav.
nice shape headstock Gav, its got some sick grain but black face with same colour neck should look excellent
Like that headstock.....nice wing tips. :)
@Wokka, @Ozzy - thanks dudes.
Today I received a pair of Entwistle HDN Zebra Pickups for my Ash Les Paul project from Ads. The HDNs, which utilise Neodymium magnets, promise an "ultra hot" response giving note definition, crunch and tone that's perfect for rock and metal. Mmmm metal..
Attachment 947
Initially, I had planned to use the original cream humbucker rings that came with the kit to mount these new zebra pickups. Here's how the stock chrome humbuckers look with these cream rings and the 10-coats of Tru-Oil that's currently on the body...
Attachment 948
Attachment 949
And now with the zebra HDNs in the same cream pickup rings. What do you think? Do the zebra's look better or worse? They certainly look more "rock" to my eyes - and that's a good thing!
Attachment 950
Attachment 951
The only question now is the pickup rings themselves. To be honest, I'm not sure that I'm really sold on them anymore. The cream in the rings is a little more "yellow" than the zebra cream (Mmmm zebra cream), and this lends them a more plastic, cheaper look. I'm thinking that either black or chrome rings may look better in this situation, or maybe I should just buy some AllParts Cream Rings to replace them? What's the consensus on there amongst forumites?
cheers,
Gav.
Yeah, the stockies don't look quite right. I think cream rings will still be the go, but it's tough to get cream plastics to match even when they're from the same source. It wouldn't hurt to have a look at it with black rings though, as there's enough dark on the top that they may work.
I wonder how it would look if you 'aged' the stock cream rings slightly with some stain... teabags maybe.
Mmmm, oh baby! <drool> ... those zebra's do look especially delicious on the 'burst (excellent choice all-round!) - very, VERY Rock 'n' Roll!
Personally, I'd definitely go the cream - it so matches the binding 'round the edge of the body and fretboard (where I think silver or black just wouldn't "fit" nearly as well)
... but I see what you mean about the slight colour difference between the two creams (from the pics, the p/ups seem to have an ever-so-slight pink cast to them whereas in comparison the rings are slightly more yellowish)
But either way she's gonna be one sexy beast!
Side Note - Don't know if you've read about the concerns regarding NeoD p/ups ... (and I don't know if I buy into that much myself, but ...) some sources seem to think that the Neo-D's noticeably reduce the sustain of the guitar (supposedly the extra strength of the magnets, provides more "pull" on the string and thereby reducing its ability to vibrate)
... now, whether its that noticeable or not I think depends on a number of factors, not all of which are with the p/up ... the theory certainly stacks up but having put some hot Entwistle Neo-Ds on my "scrapper" ST-1, I certainly haven't noticed the effect myself ... but then they are only single coil ... maybe you might find it more noticeable with the 'buckers ... be interested to see what you think when she's finished
... but sustain-effecting or not, they do give a really great sound! :D
@Wierdy, @Scott - thanks for the comments guys. I'm not sure about "aging" the rings Wierdy, I guess I could use some Colortone mix or other. I might be able to change the colour, but not with any kind of control. I might just have to let my wallet do the talking here. Thing is, it's impossible to know what will work until you have the new rings in your hands. I think I will take a punt on the AllParts ones (as RealTone stocks them) and hope for the best. At least then I'll have 2 options to choose from. Before I order I need to determine if I'm gonna put the pickguard on, as this will have to be replaced in tandem with the rings. TBH I think I've already decided against it anyway as I like my burst and grain too much to hide it ;). I really do want to stay with the cream rings!!
Scott thanks for the kind words regarding the evolving look for this axe. Personally I'm liking how it's coming together. It's my first LP kit and I'm really impressed with the fit and finish. PBG really do provide amazing quality. Also thanks for the warning regarding the Neo pickups and sustain. In my case, it isn't going to be an issue because my miss-placed fingers kill more sustain than any pickup ever could. I'm just hoping for a bit of metal rhythm goodness. Unfortunately there will be no shredding in my neck of the woods any time soon.
cheers,
Gav.
It's a bugger that the rings don't match the pup Gav. I wouldn't try modifying the colour as you'll just dig yourself digger into the rabbit hole of colour matching...
Perhaps a black ring just to try if you have it floating about? Even if you just fill it in on Photoshop.
Ok Gav, 2 things. Here is a picture of the realtone pickup surrounds, I think they will be pretty close to the zebras. The stock PBG pickup is housed in the realtone surround, I purchased these to go into my latest as I wasn't happy with the stock creaminess. Zebras rock, I was thinking going some, another project.
Go to this website and put in your guitar colour scheme and then change up your pickup surrounds etc for a quick look.
http://www.frankmontag.com/editors.htm
Thanks Kane the Realtone rings look great. Here is the output from the tool. I don't think there is any doubt that the cream rings are the ones to go for. Both black and chrome choices just don't look as good!
Attachment 954
Attachment 955
Attachment 956
cheers,
Gav.
I like the middle pic, for me the black blends nice with the colour and the pickup surrounds almost disappear. Thats one nice guitar mate.
That is a seriosuly awesome axe. The finish and the zebras are really making this look hot. The top pic for me. It matches the disc around the pickup switch and is close to the binding.
I've been watching this Gav. Fantastic job. Looks brilliant.
Cheers PK
coming along sweetly Gav, as others have said I'd order the allparts cream surrounds and might as well order the black ones. It can't hurt to see how they all look and you will always use backup stock.
You have a GOTM in the making, I checked my crystal ball Gav !
Had the exact same dilemma when doing the blacktop, the stock rings are almost green when compared to say a Gibson cream and others.Quote:
Originally Posted by gavinturner
I reckon the cream looks badass, just not those rings.
What a fricken stunning axe btw, it's gonna hurt when you have to give it to me man, don't worry I'll look after her;-)
@Joe, @Ozzy, @PK, @Wokks, @Bargey - thanks for the kind words guys. I've ordered the Gibbo cream rings from Realtone, so I reckon that, give everyone's similar experiences, they'll definitely do the trick. GOTM Wokka? Nah, not a chance. Too many awesome builders around here these days! That said, I'm pretty happy with how she's shaping up. I have 12 coats of TO on the top now and she's really shining up. Time to start on the neck!
cheers,
Gav.
Stick with cream....possible to speak to Realtone and have them provide pickup rings and cases that match.....Beautiful looking LP.
Thanks @Gav, I've got in contact with Realtone and have already ordered the rings so we'll see how they go!
Today I got to spend a little of Boxing day on the build. That meant finally getting to sand and colour the neck and headstock. I used the same colour combination as on the body of the guitar - although the neck has taken the colour differently and ended up much more darker and redder. I still think it will work well in any case, even with a darker neck. I also attempted a small burst on the headstock. Not as good as the body but it's ok. If I decide it isn't good enough then I can always spray back over it later on ;). Anway here's how the headstock and neck looks with the soak coat of TO applied.
Attachment 968
Attachment 970
cheers,
Gav.
it's looking good Gav. I actually don't mind the black rings...
Thanks @Stan. I think I'll go with the cream as I've never gone this way before. Over the last few days I've been slowly building up he TO on the neck and headstock. I've got about 8 coats on there at the moment and have wet-sanded once with 600 grit. Will slowly be working my way through the grits to 1500.
Attachment 1048
Attachment 1049
The colour is a little darker then the body colour, but it's growing on me. I've also come around to the headstock burst - I think I'll keep it as-is.
Attachment 1050
Attachment 1051
A few more coats of TO and I'll be able to set the neck. I'm still waiting for my new pickups rings from Realtone, as well as a couple of electronics upgrades. In no time I'll be getting this baby assembled :) .
cheers,
Gav.
looks awesome Gav well done, keep the burst headstock for sure and I wouldn't worry about the neck/headstock being a bit darker, can't wait to see how it looks with the cream pup rings, think this will be a knockout LP and you might be getting calls from Slash to buy it !
It's looking good mate. First song you'll play?
Thanks @Wokka & @Nick :) . Good question Nick! I better get practicing so that I have something to play for the demo. Maybe some Cult "Electric" could be the ticket! Rhythm only of course - it's definitely all I can manage.
cheers,
Gav.
The king of the bursts, does it again headstock styles. Damn Gav, it's gonna REALLY hurt having to send this axe to my house, poor bugger:-(
Thanks @Bargey. Hey - you'll have to send me your address dude. Oh, and just pop the Bladecatcher in the mail to my joint as well ok? :cool: . Sounds like a fair trade... ha!
cheers,
Gav.
Hehe right on bro, Will do!
Another damn fine job GT (this seems to becoming a bit of habit for you ... maybe you need more of challenge? :D)
From the pics the colour difference 'tween neck and body doesn't seem too different (tho its probably more so "in the flesh"), but it certainly doesn't detract from it all ... and the 'burst on the headstock really sits well with the body. She's goin' to be another sweet axe to add to your collection (lookin' forward to seeing the finished product)
Speakin' of collections, I did a quick count of your builds and noticed that you appear to be numbering them in hexadecimal! ... would that by chance be so that you can still claim to the missus that you "haven't even reached double-figures yet!" ... bwahaha :D
so nice Gav. You're right, headstock burst is fine
@Bargey, @Scott & @Stan - thanks for the kind words! She's really coming together now :D.
I put what I hope will be the last clear coat on the body and headstock today. The headstock decal (an Andy special) is on and looking good, with a couple of coats of clear over the top. I'm hoping that in the next day or so I'll be able to glue the neck and get going on the wiring. I'll upload some new pics when I get a chance.
cheers,
Gav.
hi guys,
The cream rings from Realtone arrived today as well as some gold speed knobs. I'm now very excited to get this beast wired up. The cream rings match the Entwistle zebras perfectly.
Attachment 1148
cheers,
Gav.
Coming together nicely Gav.
real interested to hear this guitar sing.
looks choice as Gav, I won't bother entering GOTM February, I reckon you have it in the bag !
So is the neck glued ?